Disciples at General Assembly learned the ancient Christian art of making labyrinths with present day tools and materials.Warren Lynn, Director of Search and Call at Disciples Home Missions, led a hands-on workshop on making a labyrinth at the assembly. John Ridder, an internationally known labyrinth maker from Indiana, helped in the process and shared his knowledge and practical wisdom. Handouts and a workbook, “Masking Tape Labyrinth Construction” by Lynn were given to the participants so that they could take the information back to their congregations.
“Labyrinths are pathways, often large enough to walk upon, that are shaped into twisting, turning designs; they have been used as spiritual tools by Christians for at least 1,600 years.
Labyrinths come in all shapes and sizes. Some are painted on large sheets of canvas, some are mowed into the grass on a lawn, while others come in a myriad of different shapes and sizes and materials. In today’s world, Christians walk the pathways of labyrinths for a variety of purposes including prayer, meditation and to listen for God. An ongoing practice of labyrinth walking can be a celebrated discipline for Christians seeking an authentic life of balanced wholeness in which intimate relationship with God is sought and valued.”
“Two of the most common labyrinths used in churches are the Chartres and Classic 7. The Chartres, 11 circuit Labyrinth was constructed around 1201 AD in the stone floor of Chartres Cathedral in France. Medieval Christians visited Chartres (and other cathedrals) and walked the labyrinth instead of taking a hazardous pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk in the ‘foot steps of Christ.’ ”
Workshop participants learned to construct the Chartres labyrinth with measuring ropes, masking tape and dispenser, and a marker. All tools were homemade with materials available from a hardware store. The labyrinth was constructed in an hour and half by the group.JoAnn Valentine from First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Bellefontaine, Ohio, said: “I have seen many labyrinths in the U.S. but have never gone to a workshop to learn how to make one. I will take this ancient prayer labyrinth back to my church. People live in a rushed world and they don’t take time to stop and have a spiritual time. This will help my spiritual life.”
Janet Edge from Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tulsa, Okla. has walked the labyrinth for eight years and says she felt better each time she walked it. As a lupus patient, she found the labyrinth a “healing experience.” Edge also is a prison chaplain at a women’s facility and wants to construct a labyrinth for the inmates. She believes the labyrinth will help the women focus, pray and find healing in their broken or unfulfilled lives.
John Ridder has constructed a labyrinth with the inmates at the Indiana Women’s Prison in Indianapolis. The women use the labyrinth frequently and find peace and comfort.
There are also finger labyrinths for those who cannot walk, or for those who wish to have one with them while they are traveling.
The workbook and handouts can be reproduced. For more information, contact Warren Lynn at 888-346-2631 www.wellfedspirit.org and John Ridder at www.PAXworks.com or 317-842-2997 or [email protected].
By: Janet Casey-Allen
